Lower the cholesterol level with Crestor!

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance which is present in all the parts of the body. It is essential for the working of body. The origin of cholesterol is from dietary intake and liver production. Even though it is a major element which is needed by the body, too much of cholesterol is harmful. If this level of cholesterol is increased it leads to a number of heart diseases such as heart attacks. Also it is a major cause for blocking of arteries, stroke, hardening of arteries and blood clots.

Causes of high cholesterol

Generally the level of cholesterol in your blood tends to increase with age. After the age of 45, a person is likely to have high cholesterol.

Overweight or obesity is a major cause for high cholesterol. The fats are deposited on the walls of the arteries blocking them. Due to this the blood flowing towards the heart and other parts of the body is restricted. This can result in heart attacks.

Less physical exercises can increase the level of bad cholesterol. Excessive alcohol consumption is another cause of high cholesterol.

Crestor is a prescription medicine, classified as a statin drug that treats unhealthy cholesterol i.e. low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in our bloodstream. Rosuvastatin Calcium is the active ingredient in Crestor. Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals LP manufactures Crestor Rosuvastatin Calcium. It is available in the market in dosages of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg.

Working of Crestor:

Liver makes much of the cholesterol in the blood within the body. Rosuvastatin Calcium works by blocking an enzyme in the liver. Thus, Crestor lowers the level of LDL or bad cholesterol and increases the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol in the blood. Crestor taken along with the diet proves to be more effective. Crestor also proves to be effective to slow down the rate of atherosclerosis by reducing the excess cholesterol being deposited in the major blood vessels. Thus, it reduces the risk of heart attack or any other heart disease.

Side effects:

The results of Crestor may vary from person to person. The side effects associated with Crestor are rare; still it is necessary to know the risks while taking the medicine. Some of the common side effects are headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, weakness and nausea. It is advisable to report promptly to the doctor if any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness and discontinue Crestor.

Who should not take Crestor?

As stated earlier, Crestor may not prove to be effective to every individual. Do not take Crestor if

• You have had an allergic reaction to Crestor.
• Active liver disease or liver problems.
• Severely decreased kidney function
• You are pregnant, you are planning to be pregnant, or you think you may be pregnant.
• You are breast-feeding as Crestor can pass through your breast milk and may harm the baby.
• You are taking the medicine namely cyclosporine.

While taking Crestor, it is necessary to consult the doctor before taking any other medicine in combination, as there are chances of having a drug interaction.